Learn how to stand out at work

At a big company, it can be difficult to stand out among your co-workers. Unfortunately, even hard work can often go unnoticed. In order to succeed in an office environment, it’s important to set yourself apart from others.

Go above what you’re asked
While you aren’t expected to complete tasks that aren’t in your job description, going above and beyond to do things that weren’t asked of you can get you noticed quickly. Be known as the person who accomplishes things – come in early every day or stay late to finish your work. For instance, if you work in customer service, instead of simply giving the customer another person to call, dial that phone number for them so it’s one less thing they have to worry about. These little gestures never go unnoticed, as many customers are likely to tell management about their positive experience.

Going above and beyond could mean completing tasks that aren’t necessarily work-related as well, like cleaning up after a company lunch or keeping your desk organized.

Give handwritten notes
It’s important to give credit to your co-workers when they’ve earned it. Business greeting cards are a professional way to offer your congratulations, and a simple note can brighten anyone’s day. The fact that you acknowledge other people’s accomplishments reflects well on you. You can also send cards regarding work anniversaries or to say thank you to a superior or a co-worker for help on a project.

Offer your ideas
So many people have ideas and suggestions in the workplace, but few actually voice them. When you’re in a meeting, don’t be afraid to make yourself heard. Even if you have constructive criticism, there is a way to go about saying things without putting someone or something down. Start by taking a look at your own position – is there something that can be done more efficiently? If so, it may be something that you want to bring up with your superior. They’ll be impressed with your ability to think critically about your job and how you can improve.

Don’t wait to confront issues
Never let a problem at work fall by the wayside. For example, if a project you’re the lead on goes south, it’s much better to communicate with your boss than to be quiet about it. Being vocal regarding work issues shows that you’re trying to fix them. After all, problems will only become bigger the longer you wait. Schedule a meeting with your superior as a professional way of addressing the issue. Come into the meeting prepared with possible solutions of how the problem can be solved.